I'm new have questions

[groran]

Are there any particular makes, years, or models of 5th wheel camper to stay away from? Looking to get a 35-40 foot 3-5 slide 5th wheel. thanks for any input.

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by groran

Are there any particular makes, years, or models of 5th wheel camper to stay away from? Looking to get a 35-40 foot 3-5 slide 5th wheel. thanks for any input.

Each brand does have issues, it does not matter who made it. A used unit hopefully will have some of the issues taken care of by the previous owner. Do your research about the dealerships, if you plan on buying from one.

We own a Heartland unit, we have been lucky with just a few issues, 2 major issues since we have been full timing since June 2019. Others I know with the same model, same year, numerous problems.

One thing, the warranties will not transfer from original owner to 2nd owner. So, if a dealership tells you a used unit is still under the 1-year, or 3-year structure warranty do not believe it.

What & how are you planning on using it? If full time traveling, what kind of suspension do you want, regular springs & axles, or do you want to try to find one with upgrades already completed to the suspension system? If you are just planning on parking it and leaving in one spot, or short trips.

If you want one with the OEM installed springs & axles, are you planning on upgrading later on to the MorRyde IS System?
Do you want a RV style fridge, or a residential fridge already installed? Do you plan on doing some boondocking, if so, how much solar already installed, or will you consider installing later?

But to directly answer your question, it depends on how you plan on using it, budget, tow vehicle you have or plan on purchasing.
I would look at rigs before the Covid issues. Something before 2019, stay away from Ultra-light models. An Ultra-light model translates to lighter construction material, less durability towing.
Also look at a unit that had some regular maintenance done on it. You probably will not find maintenance records for these things, so checking to see if the chalking needs replaced will give you a good indication if somebody has maintained their rigs. Look at the roof, if is filthy & needs repaired, take that into consideration for cost. Look at the tires, if these have aged out, generally 5-6 years, additional cost right away for tire replacement.

[Camp CA]

Originally Posted by groran

Are there any particular makes, years, or models of 5th wheel camper to stay away from? Looking to get a 35-40 foot 3-5 slide 5th wheel. thanks for any input.

Welcome to the forum!!

Loaded question since most 5'er owners have one limited expereince with multiple brands and if they did it would have spanned many years, which may not reflect the quality, features and weight of newer models. There appears to be lots of good 5'ers out there. A better question might be to ask is I am looking at a XXXX year XXXX manufacturer and XXXX model.

In our case. we have owned 3 Keystone 5'ers (2004 Everest, 2014 Montana High Country and 2020 Montana) over 18 years, each with slightly different layouts and features. Each year they get better with more convenient features including solar/inverter, central vacuum cleaner, heat pump, usb ports, 6 point hydraulic auto levelers, convenience steps, better entertainment centers, solid surface counter tops, opposing bedrrom slides for more space, better insulation, dedicated washer/dryer closet, lighter weight, convection/MW just to name a few. We love our 2020.